Why do scientists conduct experiments?

Experiments are used to gather data. That data is used as evidence to support an idea. The more evidence that supports an idea, the strong that idea is.

Do scientists work alone?

Sometimes, but most scientists work in a team. Scientific discoveries often involved the work of many people. Scientists frequently share data with others, especially with their labmates who work next to them.

Why would you want to be a scientist?

Discovering something can be very exciting and it could potentially help millions of people. People also become scientists because they love to solve problems, they are naturally curious, and they want to understand how the world works.

Who can be a scientist?

Anyone can be a scientist! About 50 years ago, most scientists were men, but today that has changed dramatically. Today you can find men and women of all backgrounds achieving great things in science, even winning Nobel prizes!

If you want a science degree, do only take science classes?

No, scientists must be able to communicate verbally and in writing to share their work with others, so they will need to be well rounded in things like English and Math. In college, about half the classes you take will be general subjects and the other half in your specialization of choice.

How long does it take to get a degree in science?

It takes 4 years to get a college degree. To lead a research team, you will need a doctorate degree like PhD, which can take another 4-6 years. Most of that time is spent in a lab doing research, not in a classroom.

What is biochemistry?

Biochemistry is the study of the chemical process that makes living things work. Inside all of us are cells. In those cells, millions of chemical reactions are happening that make us work.

Do you need to have a PhD to be a scientist?

No, you can actually be a scientist without a college degree at all. However, most people that work in science research have some sort of advanced certification beyond high school. Those who lead research programs usually have a doctorate degree (PhD).

Do the many science fields have anything in common?

Yes, all scientists use the practices of science to generate data, which they use to support their ideas. All of them also collect evidence to support their ideas. The more evidence that supports an idea, the stronger it is.

What is marine biology?

Marine biology is the study of living things in the ocean, their interactions with the environment, and their behaviors.

Plasma is the fourth state of matter. It forms when you heat a gas causing the atoms to be ripped apart. The sun is a giant ball of plasma, lightning is a plasma and so is a flame.

What is the difference between a scientist and an engineer?

Scientists explore the natural world to understand how it works. Engineers use their knowledge of science to solve problems.

How To Be A Scientist (College & Careers)

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What you will learn from this videoWhat you will learn

We will learn what scientists do and how to become one.
There are many kinds of scientists like biologists, chemists and physicists.
All scientists have something in common: they use evidence to support their ideas.

Discussion Questions
- Before Video
  Why do scientists conduct experiments? ANSWER
  - Experiments are used to gather data. That data is used as evidence to support an idea. The more evidence that supports an idea, the strong that idea is.
  Do scientists work alone? ANSWER
  - Sometimes, but most scientists work in a team. Scientific discoveries often involved the work of many people. Scientists frequently share data with others, especially with their labmates who work next to them.
  Why would you want to be a scientist? ANSWER
  - Discovering something can be very exciting and it could potentially help millions of people. People also become scientists because they love to solve problems, they are naturally curious, and they want to understand how the world works.
  Who can be a scientist?ANSWER
  - Anyone can be a scientist! About 50 years ago, most scientists were men, but today that has changed dramatically. Today you can find men and women of all backgrounds achieving great things in science, even winning Nobel prizes!
  If you want a science degree, do only take science classes? ANSWER
  - No, scientists must be able to communicate verbally and in writing to share their work with others, so they will need to be well rounded in things like English and Math. In college, about half the classes you take will be general subjects and the other half in your specialization of choice.
  How long does it take to get a degree in science? ANSWER
  - It takes 4 years to get a college degree. To lead a research team, you will need a doctorate degree like PhD, which can take another 4-6 years. Most of that time is spent in a lab doing research, not in a classroom.
- After Video
  What is biochemistry? ANSWER
  - Biochemistry is the study of the chemical process that makes living things work. Inside all of us are cells. In those cells, millions of chemical reactions are happening that make us work.
  Do you need to have a PhD to be a scientist? ANSWER
  - No, you can actually be a scientist without a college degree at all. However, most people that work in science research have some sort of advanced certification beyond high school. Those who lead research programs usually have a doctorate degree (PhD).
  Do the many science fields have anything in common? ANSWER
  - Yes, all scientists use the practices of science to generate data, which they use to support their ideas. All of them also collect evidence to support their ideas. The more evidence that supports an idea, the stronger it is.
  What is marine biology? ANSWER
  - Marine biology is the study of living things in the ocean, their interactions with the environment, and their behaviors.
  What is plasma? ANSWER
  - Plasma is the fourth state of matter. It forms when you heat a gas causing the atoms to be ripped apart. The sun is a giant ball of plasma, lightning is a plasma and so is a flame.
  What is the difference between a scientist and an engineer? ANSWER
  - Scientists explore the natural world to understand how it works. Engineers use their knowledge of science to solve problems.
Vocabulary
- Scientist DEFINE
- Doctorate DEFINE
- College major DEFINE
- Natural world DEFINE
- Physics DEFINE
- Engineering DEFINE
- Marine Biology DEFINE
- Chemistry DEFINE
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